Ford Focus ST Edition Is The Most Powerful Ever After Some Improvements

Although Ford Performance has abandoned the RS program, they have just released a special edition of the Focus ST for certain European countries, improving the adjustable suspension and lighter wheels. Before the facelifted Focus Mk4 arrives in 2022, the ST Edition is likely to be the last variant of the current Focus Mk4.

The ST Edition is characterized by the unique Azura Blue exterior color, which was first seen on the Fiesta ST Edition last year.

For a style that recalls the previous-generation Focus RS, it is paired with a High Gloss Black treatment on the grille, bumper inserts, mirror caps, roof, rear spoiler, and diffuser. The ST badges are likewise unique, with a black border around them. Inside, there are ST-branded Recaro sports seats with leather upholstery, a red-colored ST button, and blue stitching throughout to suit the outside.

The new black-painted multispoke 19-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are the most noticeable aesthetic upgrade. The lightweight wheels minimize unsprung mass by 10% at each corner, in addition to looking stylish. The improved suspension is, however, the most significant modification.

Ford Performance modified KW Automotive two-way adjustable coilovers to make the Focus ST Edition the most competent Focus Mk4 yet. The suspension has twin-tube stainless steel damper housings and blue powder-coated springs, which are Ford Performance's distinctive hue.

The revised suspension has 50% more spring rates than the normal ST, and the ride height has been reduced by 10 mm (0.4 inches) in both axles, allowing for another 20 mm of adjustability (0.8 inches).

Suspension may be adjusted to the owner's preference, with 12 jounce and 16 rebound settings to choose from. If all of this is too much for you, Ford has put up a technical paper with recommended settings for various driving situations, as well as a setting specifically for the Nürburgring. The four-cylinder turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, which generates 276 horsepower (206 kW / 280 PS) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque, remains unchanged. Because the ST Edition does not come with the seven-speed DCT automatic transmission, power is delivered to the front axle entirely through a six-speed manual transmission.

An electrically operated eLSD with hydraulically actuated clutches, an improved steering knuckle design, configurable Drive Modes, and performance brakes are also available (330 mm discs at the front and 302 mm at the rear). The hot hatch goes from zero to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.7 secs and has a peak speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Ford Focus ST Edition is already on sale in a few European regions, with prices from £35,785 ($49,098) in the U.K. A standard Focus ST with the six-speed manual transmission costs £2,500 ($3,427) extra. Ford also offers the ST in hatchback and estate body styles with the less powerful but more fuel-efficient 2.0 EcoBlue diesel engine.